Play modeling dough

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed toward a play composition including a polymeric binder and oil. In an embodiment, the binder is a hydrogenated triblock copolymer including styrene. The oil is a mineral oil. The composition may further include a plasticizer, a release agent, and one or more fillers.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/418,538, filed 1 Dec. 2010 and entitled “Modeling Dough,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a play modeling dough for children and, in particular, toward an oil-based modeling dough composition including a thermoplastic copolymer binder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Play modeling dough compositions not only amuse children, but also aid in the development of manual skills, dexterity, and creativity. These dough compositions create malleable materials that may be manipulated and shaped by the child. Conventional dough compositions are typically water-containing formulations utilizing starch as a binder. Over time, the water in the composition evaporates, and the starch undergoes retrogradation, causing the dough to dry out and toughen. Consequently, conventional dough compositions have a tendency to flake, crack, shrink, and crumble, in addition to possessing poor plasticity.

Thus, it is desirable to provide a play modeling dough composition that resists drying, is easily malleable, and retains its color during use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a play composition including a polymeric binder and oil. In an embodiment, the binder is a hydrogenated triblock copolymer including styrene and the oil is a mineral oil. The composition may further include a plasticizer, a release agent, and one or more fillers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The basic composition for the moldable dough of the present invention includes a polymeric binder and oil. Specifically, the moldable dough may be dough-based or a binder-based. The binder of the present invention is a thermoplastic triblock copolymer binder (A-B-A). Preferably, the polymer is a hydrogenated styrenic copolymer possessing a polystyrene content of up to about 35 wt % to provide desired elongation characteristics (the percent polystyrene may be tested before hydrogenation). The copolymer may be a linear copolymer. In an embodiment, the block copolymer may possess a styrene content of about 10 wt % to about 30 wt %, depending upon the composition of the midblock. In an embodiment, the binder is a styrenic block copolymer with a midblock of ethylene/butylene, namely, a styrene-etylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) thermoplastic copolymer having a styrene content of about 30 wt % (e.g., Kraton® G1650, available from Kraton Polymers LLC, Houston, Tex.). In another embodiment, the binder is a styrenic block copolymer with a midblock of ethylene-ethylene/propylene, namely, a styrene-(ethylene-ethylene/propylene)-styrene (SEEPS) thermoplastic copolymer having styrene content of about 30 wt % (e.g., SEPTON 4044, 4055, and 4077, available from Kuraray Co., Ltd., Houston, Tex.). In still another embodiment, the binder is a styrenic block copolymer with a midblock of ethylene/propylene, namely, a styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene (SEPS) thermoplastic copolymer having a styrene content of about 10-15 wt % (e.g., SEPTON 2063, available from Kuraray Co., Ltd., Houston, Tex.).

The copolymer binder may be present in the composition in an amount of about 2 wt % to about 60 wt %. In an embodiment, the amount of copolymer binder is present in an amount of about 3 wt % to about 15 wt %. By way of example, the copolymer binder is present in an amount of about 5 wt % to about 11 wt % (e.g., about 6 wt %). In another embodiment, the copolymer binder is present in an amount of about 35 wt % to about 55 wt %.

The oil may be white oil such mineral oil (liquid paraffin) and, in particular, light white mineral oil (e.g., Drakeol® 9 and 10, available from Calumet Specialty Products Partners, Indianapolis, Ind.). The oil may be present in an amount of about 4 wt % to about 80 wt %. The oil may form the largest component (by weight percent) of the composition. By way of example, the oil is present in an amount of about 40 wt % to about 70 wt %. In an embodiment, the oil is present in an amount of about 42 wt % to about 52 wt % (e.g., about 48 wt %). In another embodiment, the oil is present in an amount of about 60 wt % to about 80 wt % (e.g., about 70 wt %).

The modeling dough composition may further include a plasticizer effective to impart additional flexibility to the copolymer binder. In an embodiment, the plasticizer is a citric acid ester. By way of example, the citric acid ester is acetyltri-n-butyl citrate (e.g., Citrofol® BII, available from Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Basel Switzerland). The plasticizer may be present in an amount of about 3 wt % to about 10 wt % (e.g., about 4-8 wt %).

The play modeling dough composition of the present invention may also include a release agent. In an embodiment, the release agent may be a silicone compound. By way of example, the release agent is siloxane fluid such as polydimethylsiloxane (dimethicone) (e.g., Xiameter® 200 fluid, available from Dow Corning Corporation, Midland, Mich.). The release agent may be present in the dough composition in an amount of about 1 wt % to about 4 wt % (e.g., about 2 wt %).

The modeling dough composition of the present invention may further include one or more filler materials. The filler materials include starch, modified starch, plastic microspheres (hollow or solid), flour, talc, calcium carbonate, cellulose fibers, mica, clays, silicates, diatomaceous earth, and combinations thereof. By way of example, dough composition may contain one or more of the following: 0 wt % to about 25 wt % flour; 0 wt % to about 10 wt % modified starch (e.g., waxy starch derived from waxy maize); 0 wt % to 35 wt % diatomite; 0 wt % to about 5 wt % dry expanded plastic microspheres; and 0 wt % to about 10 wt % talc.

By way of specific example, the dough composition may include one or more of the following fillers: unbleached flour in an amount of about 5 wt % to about 18 wt %; modified starch (e.g., COLFLO 67, available from National Starch, Bridgewater, N.J.) in an amount of about 12 wt % or more (e.g., about 14 wt %); flux calcined diatomaceous earth (e.g., Celite® 281, available from World Minerals, Inc., Santa Barbara, Calif.) in an amount of about 3 wt % to about 16 wt %; plastic microspheres having a particle size of approximately 35-55 μm (e.g., Expancel® 461 DE 40 D25, available from Azko Nobel, Amsterdam, Netherlands) in an amount of about 1 wt % to about 3 wt % (e.g., about 1.5 wt %); hydrophobic silica having a particle size of approximately 5-15 μm (e.g., Dow Corning® VM-2270 Aerogel Fine Particles, available from Dow Corning, Midland, Mich.) in an amount of about 2 wt % to about 6 wt % (e.g., about 4 wt %); and talc in an amount of about 5 wt % to about 8 wt % (e.g., about 6 wt %).

The modeling dough composition of the present invention may also include additives such as preservatives, whitening agents (e.g., titanium dioxide), matting agents, fragrance, and/or colorants. By way of example, the preservative may include, but is not limited to, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, ethylparaben, butlyparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben and combinations of two or more of the above. Typical colorants include FD&C Powder Series colorants (available from Sensient Technologies Corporation, Milwaukee, Wis.) and DayGlo® T-Series colorants (available from DayGlo Color Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio). Pigments such as yellow iron oxide, black iron oxide, brown iron oxide, and red iron oxide may also be utilized as the colorant. The formulation may further include luminescent pigments such as strontium oxide aluminate phosphorescent pigments (e.g., Luminova® G-300, available from United Mineral & Chemical Corp, Lyndhurst, N.J.), as well as thermochromic pigments (e.g., thermochromic ink, available from Pilot Ink Co., Ltd. Aichi, Japan). Typical matting agents include silica gels (e.g., synthetic amorphous silica gel such as Syloid®, available from WR Grace, Augusta, Ga.). Typical fragrances include scented or masking oils. Each of these additives is typically present in amounts less than about 5 wt %.

By way of specific example, the composition may include one or more of the following additives: about 0.05 wt %-about 1.5 wt % titanium dioxide; about 0.2 wt % methyl-4-hydroxybenzoate (e.g., Nipagin® M from Clariant International Ltd, Frankfurt, Germany); about 0.15 wt % propyl-4-hydroxybenzoate (e.g., Nipasol® M, available from Clariant International Ltd, Frankfurt, Germany); 2-pheoxyethanol (e.g., Phenoxetol®, available from Clariant International Ltd, Frankfurt, Germany) present in an amount of about 0.4 wt %; about 0.15 wt % ethyl-4-hydroxybenzoate (e.g., Nipasin A, available from Clariant International Ltd, Frankfurt, Germany); masking agent/fragrance (e.g., vanilla) present in an amount of about 0.05 wt % to about 0.10 wt %; and amorphous silica gel matting agent having a particle size of about 3 μm (e.g., Syloid® 244, available from WR Grace, Augusta, Ga.) present in an amount of about 1 wt %-2 wt %.

Thus, the base comonents of the modeling dough (i.e., oil and triblock copolymer binder) are provided in amounts effective to form dough that is moldable, extrudable, and highly resistant to drying. The dough composition further demonstrates improved plasticity, dry strength, and resistance to dry shrinkage compared to conventional (water containing) dough compositions.

Specific formulations of the modeling dough composition are provided in the following examples.

EXAMPLES Regular Weight Nondrying Modeling Dough Composition

A regular weight, non-drying modeling dough was formed using the following formulation (Table I):

TABLE I Approximate Ingredient Weight % Light White Mineral Oil (Drakeol ® 10) 51.45 Calcined Diatomaceous Earth 15.31 Modified Starch 14.24 Flour (unbleached) 5.65 SEBS Copolymer Binder (Kraton ® 1650) 5.29 Acetyltributyl Citrate 4.21 Polydimethylsiloxane Fluid 2.03 Methylparaben (methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) 0.20 Propylparaben (propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) 0.15 Titanium Dioxide 0.05 Fragrance 0.05 Colorant (DayGlo ® T Series Pigments) 1.35

To form the modeling composition, a jacketed mixing tank is charged with mineral oil. The acetyltributyl citrate and the SEBS binder are slowly added to the tank. The resulting mixture is then heated to approximately 120° C., being stirred constantly until the binder dissolves. The heat is disengaged and the mixture cooled to approximately 100° C. In a separate mixer, the diatomaceous earth, modified starch, pigments, and preservatives are combined, and then mixed for approximately five minutes until completely dispersed. While mixing, the release agent (polydimethylsiloxane) and fragrance are added. Once added, the previously prepared binder mixture is added to the diatomaceous earth mixture. The combined mixture is then mixed until the resulting composition is homogenous.

The resulting dough possesses a specific gravity of approximately 10 (e.g., 9.5-10.5, measured at 24° C.), a density of about 10 (e.g., 9.5-10.5, measured at 24° C.), and a durometer (Shore A) value of 45-75. The penetrometer measurement (5 seconds at 24° C.) of the dough is approximately 100 (e.g., 80-120). The dough is thermally conductive, becoming rigid at cold temperatures (temperatures of 15° C. or less), soft at warm temperatures (temperatures of 40° C. or more).

Lightweight Nondrying Modeling Dough Composition

Lightweight, nondrying modeling dough was formed using the following formulation (Table II):

TABLE II Approximate Ingredient Weight % Mineral Oil (Drakeol ® 10) 67.79 SEBS Copolymer Binder (Kraton ® 1650) 10.25 Acetyltributyl Citrate 8.36 Amorphous Silica Gel 4.50 Calcined Diatomaceous Earth 3.50 Polydimethylsiloxane Fluid 2.10 Dry Expanded Plastic Microspheres 1.50 Phenoxetol (2-phenoxyethanol) 0.40 Methylparaben (methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) 0.20 Propylparaben (propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) 0.15 Colorant (DayGlo ® T Series) 1.25

To form the modeling composition, a jacketed mixing tank is charged with the mineral oil. The acetyltributyl citrate and the SEBS binder are added slowly. The resulting mixture is heated to approximately 120° C. under constant stirring until the binder is dissolved. The heat is disengaged and the mixture cooled to approximately 100° C. In a separate mixer, the diatomaceous earth, the silica gel, microspheres, colorant pigments, and preservatives are combined and then mixed for approximately five minutes until completely dispersed. During mixing, polydimethylsiloxane is added. Once added, the previously prepared binder mixture is added to the diatomaceous earth mixture. The combined mixture is mixed until the resulting dough is homogenous.

Photochromic Nondrying, Modeling Dough Composition

A photochromic, nondrying modeling dough composition was formed utilizing the following formulation (Table III):

TABLE III Approximate Ingredient Weight % Mineral Oil 45.17 Calcined Diatomaceous Earth 13.60 Modified Starch 12.70 Photochromic Powder 10.00 SEBS Copolymer Binder (Kraton ® 1650) 5.80 Flour (unbleached) 5.10 Acetyltributyl Citrate 4.23 Polydimethylsiloxane 1.80 Methylparaben (methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) 0.20 Ethylparaben (ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) 0.15 Titanium Dioxide 0.15 Fragrance 0.05 Colorant (DayGlo ® T Series Pigments) 1.05

To form the modeling composition, a jacketed mixing tank is charged with the mineral oil. The acetyltributyl citrate and the SEBS binder are added slowly. The resulting mixture is heated to approximately 120° C. under constant stirring until the binder is dissolved. The heat is disengaged and the mixture cooled to approximately 100° C. In a separate mixer, the diatomaceous earth, flour, modified starch, colorants, photochromic pigments, titanium dioxide, and preservatives are combined and then mixed for approximately five minutes until completely dispersed. During mixing, fragrance and polydimethylsiloxane are added. Once added, the previously prepared binder mixture is added to the diatomaceous earth mixture. The combined mixture is mixed until a homogenous dough forms.

Thermochromic Nondrying, Modeling Dough Composition

A thermochromic, nondrying modeling dough composition was formed utilizing the following formulation (Tables IV and V):

TABLE IV Approximate Ingredient Weight % Mineral Oil 48 Calcined Diatomaceous Earth 14 Modified Starch 14 SEBS Copolymer Binder (Kraton ® 1650) 6 Thermochromic Colorant 6 Flour (unbleached) 5 Acetyltributyl Citrate 4 Polydimethylsiloxane 2 Methylparaben (methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) 0.20 Ethylparaben (ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) 0.15 Titanium Dioxide 0.05 Fragrance 0.05

To form the modeling composition, a jacketed mixing tank is charged with the mineral oil. The acetyltributyl citrate and the SEBS binder are added slowly. The resulting mixture is heated to approximately 120° C. under constant stirring until the binder is dissolved. The heat is disengaged and the mixture cooled to approximately 100° C. In a separate mixer, the diatomaceous earth, flour, modified starch, thermochromic pigments, titanium dioxide, and preservatives are combined and then mixed for approximately five minutes until completely dispersed. During mixing, the polydimethylsiloxane and fragrance are added. Once added, the previously prepared binder mixture is added to the diatomaceous earth mixture. The combined mixture is mixed until a homogenous dough forms.

TABLE V Approximate Ingredient Weight % Mineral Oil 44.35 Flour (unbleached) 18 Calcined Diatomaceous Earth 17.25 SEBS Copolymer Binder (Kraton ® 1650) 6.50 Talc 6.35 Thermochromic Ink 3.00 Acetyltributyl Citrate 3.50 Polydimethylsiloxane 1 Colorant 1.60 Methylparaben (methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) 0.20 Propylparaben (propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) 0.15 Titanium Dioxide 0.20-0.50 Fragrance 0.10

Luminescent, Nondrying Modeling Dough Composition

A luminescent, nondrying modeling dough composition was formed utilizing the following formulation (Table VI):

TABLE VI Approximate Ingredient Weight % Mineral Oil (Drakeol ® 10) 70.35 SEBS Copolymer Binder (Kraton ® 1650) 9.96 Acetyltributyl Citrate 8.65 Strontium Oxide Aluminate Pigment 6.30 Trimethylated silica gel 4.20 Methylparaben (methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) 0.20 Propylparaben (propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) 0.15 Fragrance 0.05 Colorant (DayGlo ® T Series) 0.14

To form the modeling composition, a jacketed mixing tank is charged with the mineral oil. The acetyltributyl citrate and the SEBS binder are added slowly. The resulting mixture is heated to approximately 120° C. under constant stirring until the binder is dissolved. The heat is disengaged and the mixture cooled to approximately 100° C. In a separate mixer, the luminescent pigment, silica gel, colorant, and preservatives are combined and then mixed for approximately five minutes until completely dispersed. During mixing, fragrance is added. Once added, the previously prepared binder mixture is added to the pigment mixture. The combined mixture is mixed until the resulting dough is homogenous.

Additional exemplary of formulations of the nondrying dough composition in accordance with embodiments of the present invention are provided below, with reference to Tables VII-XI.

TABLE VII Approximate Ingredient Weight % Mineral Oil 46-48 Flour (unbleached) 15-17 Calcined Diatomaceous Earth 14-19 Copolymer Binder (Kraton ® 1650) 6-7 Acetyltributyl Citrate 5 Talc 3-7 Polydimethylsiloxane 2 Methylparaben 0.20 Propylparaben 0.15 Titanium Dioxide <0.40 Colorant (DayGlo ® T Series) <2

TABLE VIII Approximate Ingredient Weight % Mineral Oil 73.50 Copolymer Binder (Kraton ® 1650) 10.40 Acetyltributyl Citrate 7.80 Polydimethylsiloxane 3.20 Dry Expanded Plastic Microspheres 2.20 Methylparaben 0.20 Propylparaben 0.15 Colorant (DayGlo ® T Series) 2.50

TABLE IX Approximate Ingredient Weight % Mineral Oil 69.40 Copolymer Binder (Kraton ® 1650) 9.85 Acetyltributyl Citrate 7.40 Polydimethylsiloxane 3 Flour (Unbleached) 6 Dry Expanded Plastic Microspheres 1.50 Methylparaben 0.20 Propylparaben 0.15 Colorant (DayGlo ® T Series) 2.50

TABLE X Approximate Ingredient Weight % Mineral Oil 46-47 Flour (Unbleached) 15 Flux Calcined Diatomaceous Earth 14.50 Copolymer Binder (Kraton ® 1650) 6.50 Modified Starch 7 Acetyltributyl Citrate 5 Polydimethylsiloxane 2 Methylparaben 0.20 Propylparaben 0.15 Titanium Dioxide Kowet 0.50 Fragrance 0.45 Colorant (DayGlo ® T Series) 2.50

TABLE XI Approximate Ingredient Weight % Copolymer Binder (Kraton ® 1650) 48 Flux Calcined Diatomaceous Earth 30 Modified Starch 8 Mineral Oil 4 Acetyltributyl Citrate 4 Colorant (DayGlo ® T Series) 4 Titanium Dioxide Kowet 1 Antifoam (Dow ® FG-10) 1

The dough formulations provided in Tables VI-XI were formed utilizing a process similar to that described for the formulation of Table I.

The above described formulations provide a water-free dough composition that was moldable, extrudable, and highly resistant to drying. The dough composition of the present invention demonstrates improved plasticity, dry strength, and resistance to dry shrinkage when compared to modeling dough compositions lacking the triblock polymer and oil formulation.

While the present invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, the fillers may possess any size and shape suitable for its intended purpose. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The reference to weight percents includes the weight percent of the component in the completed dough, unless noted otherwise.

Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the invention be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure.

Having described preferred embodiments, it is believed that other modifications, variations and changes will be suggested to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings set forth herein. It is therefore to be understood that all such variations, modifications and changes are believed to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A moldable dough composition resistant to drying, the composition including: a binder comprising an A-B-A triblock copolymer; a plasticizer, wherein the plasticizer is a citric acid ester; and an oil.
 2. The dough composition of claim 1, wherein the block copolymer binder is a styrenic block copolymer.
 3. The dough composition of claim 2, wherein the block copolymer binder possesses a styrene content of about 35% or less.
 4. The dough composition of claim 3, wherein the block copolymer binder is selected from the group consisting of a styrene-(ethylene/butylene)-styrene copolymer, a styrene-(ethylene-ethylene/propylene)-styrene copolymer, and a styrene-(ethylene/propylene)-styrene copolymer.
 5. The dough composition of claim 1, wherein the block copolymer binder is a styrene-(ethylene-ethylene/propylene)-styrene thermoplastic copolymer having styrene content of about 30 wt %.
 6. The dough composition of claim 1, wherein the block copolymer binder is a styrene-(ethylene/propylene)-styrene thermoplastic copolymer having a styrene content of about 10-15 wt %.
 7. The dough composition of claim 1, wherein the binder is present in the composition in an amount of about 2 wt % to about 60 wt %.
 8. The dough composition of claim 1, wherein the binder is present in the composition in an amount of about 3 wt % to about 15 wt %.
 9. The dough composition of claim 1, wherein the binder is present in the composition in an amount of about 3 wt % to about 10 wt %.
 10. The dough composition of claim 1, wherein the binder is present in the composition in an amount of about 6 wt %.
 11. The dough composition of claim 1, wherein the plasticizer is acetyltributyl citrate.
 12. The dough composition of claim 1, wherein the oil is present in an amount of about 4 wt % to about 80 wt %.
 13. The dough composition of claim 1, wherein the oil is present in an amount of about 40 wt % to about 80 wt %.
 14. The dough composition of claim 1, wherein the oil is present in an amount of about 42 wt % to about 52 wt %.
 15. The dough composition of claim 1, wherein the oil is a white mineral oil.
 16. The dough composition of claim 1 further comprising filler materials selected from the group consisting of starch, modified starch, plastic microspheres, flour, talc, diatomaceous earth, and mixtures thereof.
 17. A moldable dough composition resistant to drying, the composition including: a binder comprising an A-B-A triblock copolymer; a plasticizer present in an amount of about 3 wt % to about 10 wt %; and mineral oil present in the composition in an amount of about 40 wt % to about 70 wt %; wherein: the block copolymer binder is selected from the group consisting of a styrene-(ethylene/butylene)-styrene copolymer, a styrene-(ethylene-ethylene/propylene)-styrene copolymer, and a styrene-(ethylene/propylene)-styrene copolymer; the styrene content of the block copolymer binder is up to about 35%; and the binder is present in the composition an amount of about 3 wt % to about 15 wt %.
 18. The dough composition of claim 17, wherein: the block copolymer binder possesses a styrene content of about 10 wt % to about 30 wt %, based on the weight of the polymer; and the plasticizer comprises a citric acid ester. 